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Forge Men Impressive in First Match

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Forward Tony Cardamone breaks the defensive line against Scioto Valley Rugby Club on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Founder’s Field in Indianola, PA.

 

INDIANOLA, PA – This past Saturday, the Pittsburgh Forge Men’s Side opened up their Fall 15’s season with a preseason friendly match against Scioto Valley Rugby Club, a Division 1 club from Columbus, Ohio. The fixture was held at Founder’s Field in Indianola, PA about 25 minutes north of the City and had a scheduled for a first side kick off at 1:00 PM and a second side kick off at 3:00 PM. The clubs avoided some earlier morning showers and played under beautifully sunny and warm conditions throughout the entire game.

The Forge Men kicked off and were able to gain possession quickly just outside the Columbus 22-meter line. After several phases, possession was lost due to a penalty after attacking to 10-meters out. Scioto Valley was able to counter-attack, but the Forge’s defense was stout as they clearly showed they could hang with the higher division side boasting a number of players from the Ohio Rugby Union’s Select Side. After several minutes, the Forge was able to regain possession and move the ball into the Scioto Valley end of the field once again. Flyhalf Tyree Massie (Cal U) was able to make some space for center Stephan Patterson (PITT) who was able to exploit the gap and open up the game’s scoring. Andrew Knuttel (PITT) added the conversion and the Pittsburgh Forge jumped out to a 7-0 lead after ten minutes.

After the subsequent kickoff, the Forge went on attack again once again moving the ball inside the Scioto Valley 22-meter line. A turnover allowed Columbus to quickly counter-attack and catch the Forge flat footed on defense. After a line break and long run from Scioto Valley, winger Yhong Thepboon was able to make a try saving tackle that allowed time for the Forge defense to get reorganized. After several minutes of Scioto Valley not being able to break the try line within ten meters, they finally scored after some great defensive play by the Forge. The try, along with the conversion, tied the game 7 – 7 at the twenty five minute mark.

Center Stephan Patterson, from the University of Pittsburgh, places down a try to open the scoring for the Forge against Columbus Rugby Club.

 

After the next restart, the Forge were able to regain possession and threaten again. A yellow card was issued to Columbus for foul play, and flanker Alex Gordon (SRU) was able to power his way into the try zone after some tough runs from winger Corey Jacobs and flyhalf Tyree Massie. The kick was converted by Knuttel and the Forge was in the lead again 14 – 7. Shortly before half, however, Columbus was able to sustain some offensive pressure, particularly from their talented outside backs, and add an unconverted try as the whistle blew. The Forge’s lead was cut to 14 – 12 at the half.

The second half of the game featured the Forge playing significantly more defense. Scioto Valley would put attack after attack together, but the Forge held tough and would force an error or generate a turnover with stifling defense to thwart any real scoring opportunities. The Forge did make some mistakes that thankfully wouldn’t cost them as Columbus would be granted two opportunities to score penalty kicks from just outside the Forge 22-meter line. Fortunately for the Forge, each kick was missed. In the final fifteen minutes of the game, the Forge would make a mistake that landed forward Cody Fulton (Harrisburg) in the sin bin. Down a man, the Forge still battled to defend Columbus who had deadly, try-scoring wingers on the outside. As time ticked by, the experienced Columbus team would get the ball wide and score a converted try with just a few minutes remaining on the clock, taking a narrow 19 – 14 lead.

Now a five point deficit, the Forge would have one final opportunity to try and win the game as they kicked off to Columbus once again. Again, after gaining possession of their own kickoff, the Forge was able to sustain attack down the field, inching towards the Scioto Valley 22-meter line. Unfortunately, time would expire and the Forge would come just short of earning a win in their first fifteens game.

Coaches Stephen Walsh and Allan Murray address the team during the half to make adjustments against Scioto Valley RFC on Saturday, August 11, 2018.

 

Overall, the coaching staff and players were very pleased with the game. After only four training sessions and limited time playing with one another, the Forge showed that they could compete with a very good Division 1 side. Defense and communication in particular were highlighted by the coaching staff as positives for the gelling club. For the second side match, Scioto Valley only traveled with about a half of a squad. Throughout the match, more Columbus players were replaced with Forge players until the final fifteen minutes featured solely Forge players playing one another. Scoring was not tracked, but the time was well spent learning and getting a great run in under the warm summer sun.

Next up, the Forge Men will be traveling to Wheeling Jesuit University to take on their first and second sides in a preseason friendly match up. This will allow the Forge to not only train against a top tier squad, but also build relationships with one of the most prestigious collegiate programs in the area. Kickoff times are set for 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field in the heart of WJU’s campus.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Frank Cacciotti, 2 – Andrew Knuttel, 3 – Jeff Muha, 4 – Sam Angelo, 5 – Derek Neubauer, 6 – Tony Cardamone, 7 – Alex Gordon, 8 – Timothy Bagatti, 9 – Stephen Jochim, 10 – Tyree Massie, 11 – Eric David, 12 – Stephan Patterson, 13 – Patrick Dobbins, 14 – Yhong Thepboon, 15 – Billy Gordon

Reserves: Not tracked

Substitutions: Not tracked

Discipline: Cody Fulton (Yellow)

Referee(s): Mark Seaton (ARURS), Patrick Feitt (ARURS)

 

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries – Stephan Patterson (1), Alex Gordon (1)

Conversions – Andrew Knuttel (2/2)

Man of the Match – Undetermined

Forge Men Entertain Crowd at Highmark Stadium

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The Pittsburgh Forge Men pose for a quick picture after playing one another at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

 

One of the primary goals of the Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club is to expand the sport of rugby to a new audience. We do this in a variety of ways, but one of our favorite events is our yearly 7’s exposé at during halftime of a Pittsburgh Riverhound’s soccer match at beautiful Highmark Stadium. It gives us a great venue to display rugby to several thousand soccer fans.

This year, our fans were seated in the Riverhound’s “Supporter Section” which provides a real soccer fan experience. We enjoyed cheering along the Riverhound die-hards singing songs, shouting chants, and distracting the other club’s goalie. The fan section then offered similar support to our guys as they took field leading cheers on the bass drum.

As part of the halftime entertainment, our men’s side played an intra-squad 7-on-7 scrimmage refereed by our own Derek Neubauer. It was an exciting display of rugby 7’s to a new crowd who was bustling with energy.  Playing under the lights at such a gorgeous venue is a fun experience for our players which keeps us coming back every year.  Rugby 7’s has gained greater exposure to a mainstream audience with the recent Rugby World Cup 7’s in San Francisco and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. We hope we can continue doing our part in growing the game in our own area with events like this one.

Thank you to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Front Office for continuing our partnership each year and providing us with such an amazing opportunity – see yinz next season!

Steel City 7’s Recap!

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WEXFORD, PA – This past Saturday, the Pittsburgh Forge hosted the 11th Annual Steel City 7’s Rugby Tournament at McKinney Soccer Complex in North Park. The tournament was hosted for ten years by the Pittsburgh Rugby Club with this year’s installment being the first operated by the newly formed Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club. Forty four men’s, women’s, collegiate and high school clubs from all over the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic traveled to Pittsburgh to participate in the largest Steel City 7’s Tournament to date.

The day was filled with rugby action across five fields at the McKinney Soccer Complex. The weather was great for rugby; the temperature stayed mostly in the high 70’s and every time the humidity seemed to cling in the air, a small pop up rain shower would occur for a few minutes to cool everyone down. In the afternoon, the sun appeared and remained out for the entirety of the playoff rounds.

Forge Director Bill Marnell officiates a women’s pool play match.

The High School girl’s competition displayed the talents of young women from across western Pennsylvania, Ohio and even Indiana. After a few rounds of pool play and some great playoff round matches, the ladies from Carroll High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana were able to win the Cup Championship in a very entertaining final match.

The Senior Women’s Competition boasted a pool of twelve teams. The Bowl Championship was won by the Forge Women’s first side as they defeated the Forge Women’s third side in the Championship match. The Forge Women’s second side fell to the Cleveland Rugby Academy in the Cup Championship semi-final round in a very close 19 – 17 match. The Cleveland Rugby Academy would end up winning the Cup Championship against their second side (Plate Champions) a little later in the day.

The Men’s Pool consisted of twenty four teams from all over the area including several teams with Pittsburgh Forge representation. At the conclusion of pool play, the division was split into three brackets to compete for the Cup (1-8), Plate (9-16) and Bowl (17-24). The Steel Dragons, a Franciscan University alumni side, were able to win three consecutive games in the playoff rounds to clinch the Bowl Championship. In the Plate Championship, the Pittsburgh Forge’s second side fell to a solid Cleveland Crusaders side to take second place in that bracket, tenth place overall.

Cup Championship Side; Back Row – Nick Cardamone, Clark Hoopes, Rousseau Kluever, Billy Gordon, Sam Angelo, Devin Zangaro, David Ashline; Front Row – Cory Hushon, Andrew Knuttel, Frank Cacciotti, Eric David, Yhong Thepboon

 

The Cup Championship displayed some great area rugby talent. The semi-final rounds pitted a Woodland Hills Alumni Squad, boasting several Pittsburgh Harlequins and several Pittsburgh Forge players against the Ankle Takers, a team made up of alumni from Baldwin Wallace University. Both sides had been dominant all day and after a superb back and forth match, the Ankle Takers were able to squeak by Woodland Hills 32 – 31. On the other side of the bracket, the Pittsburgh Forge’s first side took on the Pittsburgh Pandas, a side that boasts mainly Pittsburgh Harlequins and some local area collegiate players with ambitions to play in Mid-Atlantic 7’s qualifiers. This game would be far less competitive than the other semi-final match with the Pittsburgh Forge dominating the Pandas by a score of 35 – 12. In the Championship match, the Ankle Takers and the Forge battled back and forth the entire duration before new Forge player, Cory Hushon, was able to dot down a try to end the game in favor of the Forge. Pittsburgh was able to retain their Cup Championship as Pittsburgh Rugby Club won the tournament in 2017 and the Forge defended that title in 2018.

Forge Lady Alyssia Moss doing the pull up challenge at the USMC booth.

The tournament was excellently run by first year Tournament Director, Steve Joachim. Additionally, the efforts of all of the Forge volunteers must be commended. Club Interim Treasurer Olivia Lindsey managed the day’s finances in addition to manning the grill all day. Club Interim Secretary Corey Jacobs assisted Stephen throughout the day and worked seamlessly with tournament sponsors United States Marine Corps and vendor Steamroller Rugby Supply. Interim President Neil Reynolds managed the athletic training staff, donated generously by Forge sponsor East Suburban Sports Medicine Center (ESSMC). Additionally, the Forge Women’s Coach, Jason Edsall, served as an AT and as a referee later in the day. Forge Director Bill Marnell assisted in organizing the tournament’s referees and served as a referee himself in addition to several other club members who volunteered their referee services thorough out the day; Alex Gralia, Mike Dean, Dan Houlihan, Nick Cardamone, and Joe Piszczor, many of whom both played and refereed.

The day went off without a hitch, besides running a little behind. Following the tournament, a social was held at nearby North Park featuring beer from Imperium Brewing, owned and operated by club members Ben Carozza and Ross Carnhart. The party then moved to Rugger’s Pub in the Southside for a night cap for those that were still vertical. All and all… a great day of rugby.

MHK Supports the Pittsburgh Forge

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PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge Rugby club, the city’s newest and largest rugby club, are extremely pleased to announce our charitable sponsorship from The Psychological Cooperative at Malec, Herring & Krause for the 2018 – 2019 Competitive Cycle.

The Psychological Cooperative at Malec, Herring & Krause is located in Mars, PA just five minutes from Cranberry and fifteen minutes from Wexford. The Cooperative specializes in a number of psychological and wellness services including, but not limited to; individual therapy, couple’s counseling, child/ adolescent therapy, grief care, school testing, life coaching, stress management, therapeutic massage, diet liberation, bio-feedback and hypnotherapy.

Elaine A. Malec, Ph.D

Elaine A. Malec, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist. With a collaborative style, she provides an approach that integrates mind, body and spirit. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Doctorate of Counseling Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Malec completed her clinical internship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She has over twenty years’ experience in the field of psychology. Additional services provided by Dr. Malec include life coaching and life consultation. These services are available to individuals looking to enhance their life effectiveness and do not meet the “medically necessary” criteria required for health insurance involvement.

Jaclyn Herring, Ph.D

Jaclyn Herring, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist. She provides services to adults who are experiencing a range of issues including, anxiety, OCD, eating difficulties and sleep issues. Dr. Herring is a Clinical Faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine where she provides services to professional and university athletes and teams. Dr. Herring developed the Hearing and Heeding Your Hungers: A Diet Liberation Course to address the damaging cycle of dieting and regaining of lost weight. Dr. Herring received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology and Economics, Masters of Science and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her clinical internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Following that, she held a Psychology Fellow position for four years at Harvard Medical School. She has over twenty five years of experience in the field. Dr. Herring uses a Cognitive Behavioral approach in psychotherapy, and is certified in Rational Hypnotherapy. Her memberships include: American Psychological Association, PA Psychological Association, Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Association for Applied Sports Psychology, PA Association for Gifted Education, and National Association for Gifted Children.

Elizabeth Krause, Ph.D

Elizabeth Krause, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist with special expertise in Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, Anxiety, and Health Psychology. Dr. Krause has a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Orientation in her therapy approach and believes that understanding how stressors affect the mind, body and spirit is integral to individual growth. Dr. Krause had private practices in Nashville and San Antonio before moving to the Pittsburgh Area. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University and her Masters and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Krause completed her clinical internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her post-doctoral fellowship focused on Chronic Pain Management and Trauma Survivors. Dr. Krause has over twenty years’ experience in the field of psychology with special expertise in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Krause provides individual, relationship and family therapy for adults. She also offers Life Coaching, Parent Training, and Hypnotherapy services.

To put your life in balance, visit www.malecherringandkrause.com or contact the Cooperative at Malec, Herring & Krause by calling 724-772-4949, texting 412-837-9337 or e-mailing drherring@malecherringandkrause.com

Dugan & Associates Supports Pittsburgh’s Rugby Club

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PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club, the city’s newest and largest rugby club, are extremely pleased to announce our charitable sponsorship from Dugan & Associates, P.C., lawyers representing injured people, for the 2018 and 2019 Competitive Cycles.

Dugan & Associates, P.C. have been serving the legal needs of people throughout western Pennsylvania since 2000. The firm was founded by Mitchell H. Dugan. As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mitch first practiced at Fingeret, Pollock, Cohen & Zavarella, then at Stone & Stone and finally at Alexander J. Pentecost prior to starting his own firm in 2000. Additionally, he also interned in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office and with Zittrain & Zittrain. Mitch has spoken about injuries, workers’ compensation and social security disability to audiences throughout the state, has presented for the Allegheny County Bar Association and has spoken for continuing legal education credits for lawyers with the National Business Institute, Clearwater Information Systems, Inc. and Sterling Education Services, LLC.

Mitch is a member of the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives and the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. He is licensed to practice in the Pennsylvania State Courts and in the Western District of the Federal Courts. He also belongs to the North Boroughs Rotary Club where he served as a past President. Additionally, he has been awarded the honors of Super Lawyer from 2007 – 2017, considered a Top 50 Pittsburgh in 2011 – 2012, and a Best Lawyers from 2016 – Present.

Mitchell Dugan founded Dugan & Associates, P.C. in 2000 and has been fighting for the legal objectives of Pittsburgh residents ever since.

 

Mitch and the accomplished team of attorneys, together with their friendly staff at Dugan & Associates, will work hard to achieve success for their clients. Much like the Pittsburgh Forge, Dugan & Associates approach legal problems as a team. Their lawyers possess wide-ranging knowledge on topics ranging from worker’s compensation and occupational diseases to Social Security Disability and personal injury. No matter what legal problem you, or your family, may be facing, the lawyers at Dugan & Associates will combine their efforts to purse a favorable result for you. They offer every client personalized service and understand that when you are pursuing a denied SSDI benefit claim, or recovering from a car accident injury, your personal finances as well as your health and well-being hang in the balance. Please put their extensive skill and experience at work for you, to seek the results you need and deserve.

You can schedule a free initial consultation at any time by contacting them online at https://www.dugan-associates.com or by telephone at 412-353-3562 or toll free at 888-9-9-D-U-G-A-N.

Pittsburgh Forge Partners with ESSMC

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East Suburban Sports Medicine Center, the official physical therapy and sports medicine provider of the Pittsburgh Forge RC.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club, the city’s newest and largest rugby club, are extremely pleased to announce our partnership the East Suburban Sports Medicine Center, or ESSMC, to be the official physical therapy and athletic training provider of the Pittsburgh Forge.

ESSMC has more than thirty years’ experience providing physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy services to help patients in their rehabilitation from injuries and illnesses get back onto the playing field and lead more comfortable, fuller lives. ESSMC was established in 1984 by John Bonaroti, PT, ATC, to meet the need for high quality outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy care.

Neil Reynolds, DPT, PT, is a center of the Pittsburgh Forge and the manager of ESSMC’s Penn Hills office.

Since that time, the practice has grown to a total of six locations throughout the region serving patients with unparalleled results-driven service with a staff that has a combined number of years of service treating orthopedic and sports injuries exceeding 150. Their diversity in training and education strengthens the staff as each brings with him or her the best from each Physical Therapy program they’ve studied at. ESSMC boasts graduates from the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Slippery Rock University, West Virginia University, University of Virginia and Penn State University.

Neil Reynolds, DPT, PT, the most recent President of the Pittsburgh Highlanders and the current co-interim President of the Pittsburgh Forge, manages the Penn Hills Office and established the relationship between ESSMC and the Pittsburgh Highlanders back in 2016. Neil is thrilled that ESSMC will continue providing athletic training services for the Pittsburgh Forge and the events they sponsor.

For more information regarding the East Suburban Sports Medicine Center, please visit https://www.essmc.com

Pittsburgh Celebrates Forge Day!

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WHITE OAK, PA – After months of hard work and anticipation, the day had finally arrived when two Pittsburgh powerhouse rugby clubs would battle on the pitch one final time before forging together and moving on as one. This past weekend, the Pittsburgh Rugby Club and Pittsburgh Highlanders hosted their first annual Pittsburgh Forge Club Day in order to write one last chapter in their past clubs’ history books while starting a new chapter as the Pittsburgh Forge.

Head Coach of the Forge Women, Jason Edsall, talking with his players.

Although looking a little rough early on, the weather was warm and the sky was sunny when the Pittsburgh Angels and Highlander Women kicked off the day’s activities around 11:00 AM for their final match. The Angels would build a lead early in the first half, but the Highlander women would add a few scores of their own late in the first half and to begin the second half. In the end, however, the Highlander ladies wouldn’t catch up to their Angel counterparts who added a few scores late to extend their lead and ultimately take the final game.

Following a high scoring and entertaining women’s match, the men took the field a little after 1:00 PM for their final test against one another. The heat of the day was in full effect and the humidity was rising, but that would not deter the enthusiasm from both sides. The Pittsburgh Men would jump out to an early 10 – 0 lead as they dotted down two tries, but missed the conversions. Late in the second half, the Highlanders were able to maintain some possession and score two tries of their own while converting one to take a 12 – 10 lead into the half.

Head Coach of the Forge Men, Stephen Walsh, talking with his players.

After the half, both clubs began working in many depth and role players to get everyone who came out ample playing time. The teams battled back and forth trading scores and great defensive stands. With time running out, the Highlanders held a slim 24 – 23 lead over their opponents before Pittsburgh was able to touch down a try and a conversion with time running out. Pittsburgh Rugby Club took the win 30 – 23 over the Highlanders in a highly competitive and very entertaining match.

The sky darkened as the afternoon progressed and right as the Men’s Alumni began to take the field, the rain came. The Old Boys were able to play through the downpour in what was a high scoring and energetic game. In the end, the Pittsburgh Old Boys were able to best their Highlander counterparts before the sky cleared once again and everyone moved down to enjoy some great food, beer and conversation!

Forge Cake provided by player Brittany Marnell.

Fantastic food was provided by the club’s friends at Philomena’s Catering and served at the Magnolia Pavilion at White Oak Park. Cakes by Bee Leigh provided a wonderful Forge cake and t-shirts were made by our friends at Bee Graphix – Fredericktown. In the end, all the food and cake were gone, the beer was drunk and every t-shirt was sold out by the very hungry and enthusiastic crowd. Current players, supporters and alumni celebrated together well into the evening before capping off the night at our pub in the Southside, Rugger’s Pub. All in all, it was a tremendously successful and exciting event. If the day has any indication on the future of the Club and Pittsburgh Rugby, we’d say we are in for some very exciting times.

 

 

The Pittsburgh Forge Board of Directors, from left to right: Front – Angela Smarto, Brooke Gawlas, Olivia Lindsay, Gerri Russell, Kirsten Andrews, Back – Devin Zangaro, Corey Jacobs, Neil Reynolds, Chris Austin, Andrew Chapman, Bill Marnell, Sam Angelo.

 

Pittsburgh Angels and Pittsburgh Highlander Women following their match.

 

Pittsburgh Rugby Club and Pittsburgh Highlander Men following their match.

 

Forge Men Announce Allan Murray as Assistant/ D3 Coach

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Allan Murray taking a pass for the Pittsburgh Harlequins.

PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge, the city’s newest and largest rugby club, is pleased to announce that Allan Murray has been hired as an Assistant/ D3 Coach for the men’s XV’s program beginning in August 2018.

Allan has played rugby for eleven years at both the collegiate and senior levels. His playing career began in 2004 while attending Slippery University for his undergraduate degree in Physical Education. There, Allan was able to assist SRU in winning the Allegheny Rugby Union Championship three years in a row from 2005 through 2007. During that time, he was also chosen for the ARU Select Side playing as an Outside Center in 2005 and then as a Flanker in 2006 and 2007.

Upon graduating from SRU in 2008, Allan began his senior rugby career playing for Coach Walsh and the Pittsburgh Harlequins in Cheswick, PA. Allan played at the Division I level with the Harlequins for four years, which included their bid to the Division I Sweet 16 in 2012 before leaving with Coach Walsh to join the Pittsburgh Rugby Club later that year. Allan helped Pittsburgh earn a Midwest Division II second place finish in 2013 before stepping away from the pitch as a full time player in 2015.

Allan began coaching while still a student and player at Slippery Rock University. In 2006, he began assisting the West End Wandering Barbarians and did so until 2009. That spring, he assisted the very same ARU Select Side where he played three seasons before as the Backs and Attack Coach. From there, he began assistant coaching the Woodland Hills Boys U-19 club in 2010 through the conclusion of the 2011 spring season. Allan would then move up to the collegiate ranks and serve as the Backs and Attack Coach for the

Allan supporting a teammate for Pittsburgh Rugby Club.

University of Pittsburgh’s Men’s Club from 2011 until 2014. Allan would then become the Head Coach of the program in 2014 where he remained for four years, until the conclusion of the spring 2018 season. Allan is currently a USA Rugby Level 200 certified Coach and a USAR Level One Certified Referee.

After graduating with his Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Health and Physical Education/Fitness from Slippery Rock University, Allan began his career as a Physical Education Teacher at the Woodland Hills School District for the past eight years.

Coach Murray is very excited about joining the Forge Men’s coaching staff and working with Coach Stephen Walsh once again. The two have worked well together over the course of six years for both the Harlequins and Pittsburgh Rugby Club. Allan will be tasked with developing a competitive second side comprised of young recruits and veteran players with some gas left in the tank. Allan expects the Division III side to compete regionally right out of the gate even while supplying the higher side with quality players when their number is called upon.

The Pittsburgh Forge’s Summer 7’s programming begins on Tuesday, May 22nd at Phillip Murray Field near Pittsburgh’s Southside. Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7:00 PM.

The club’s XV’s season will begin in August 2018. Any interested men are strongly encouraged to contact the club at PGHForgeRugby@gmail.com

Forge Men Announce Steve Walsh as Head (D2) Coach

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PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge, the city’s newest and largest rugby club, is pleased to announce that Stephen Walsh has been hired as the Head Coach for the men’s XV’s program beginning in August 2018.

Coach Stephen Walsh

Steve has over twenty five (25) years of playing experience at all levels and disciplines of rugby including several years as a professional player. Steve’s playing career began at the age of 5 when he played on youth sides for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and Marcellin Junior/ High School sides in Sydney, Australia. In 1974, he toured New Zealand with the first team rugby union high school age side. From 1974 through 1976, Steve was the captain of the Brothers Rugby Club which was also a high school age side.

In 1977, he began playing club rugby for Randwick Rugby Club, participating in two premierships and being coached by Bob Dwyer, the legendary Australian rugby union coach. Randwick DRUFC is an Australian rugby union club which competes in the Sydney premier grade rugby union competition. The club was formed in 1882 and since then has won thirty two (32) first grade premierships and six Australian club championships. It is one of the traditional powerhouses of the Shute Shield competition, winning fourteen (14) titles from 1978 to 1996.

Steve began playing for the legendary South Sydney Rabbitohs, a professional Australian rugby league team based in Redfern, a suburb of Sydney in 1980. During his four seasons there, from 1980 – 1983, Steve made fifty eight (58) appearances while scoring twelve (12) tries and one hundred and six (106) points. Steve played in one finals match with the Rabbitohs during his rookie season of 1980. Steve continued his professional career in France, playing for Lyon OU in 1988 and finally served as a captain/coach for Anse XIII in 1989 before retiring from playing.

Steve Walsh’s official trading card while playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 1981.

Steve began coaching during his time with the South Sydney Rabbitohs as a coach for his home high school side at Macrellin. He coached there from 1980 until 1984 before moving up to the collegiate level, coaching St. Aloysius’ Rugby Club in Sydney from 1985 until 1987. From 1991 until 1994 and then again from 1997 to 1998, Steve coached St. Mary’s Cathedral College’s first team before returning to rugby leagues as a coach for the Alice Springs, a Division 1 side in 1999.

In the early 2000’s, Steve moved to England were he became the coach of St. John Beaumont School’s second side before moving to Pittsburgh in the mid-2000’s. Once in Pittsburgh, Steve worked as the Head Coach for the Pittsburgh Harlequins from 2006 until 2012 and then the Pittsburgh Rugby Club from 2013 until 2016. Stephen is currently a USA Rugby Level 200 certified coach.

Professionally, Coach Walsh’s expertise lies in professional training and development with more than 30 years of experience in presenting educational and instructional training programs. Since the early 2000’s Stephen has worked as a training manager for a number of different companies. For the last several years, he has worked for Oxford Seminars as an instructor specializing in certifying students who are becoming English, English as a foreign language and English as second language instructors. Steve is also a certified personal trainer.

Coach Walsh is extremely excited about Forge Men’s Head Coach and assisting the club in their goal to become the City’s premier club for senior men’s rugby. He looks to develop a competitive, high level first side that will compete for regional and national championships in the short term in addition to competitive second and third sides that will compete in their own right. Steve has also expressed a desire to assist the club in growing and cultivating the game in the City of Pittsburgh and regionally. Coach Walsh brings to the Forge his vast playing and coaching experiences in additional to a level of professionalism not seen by many amateur clubs in the United States.

The Pittsburgh Forge’s Summer 7’s programming begins on Tuesday, May 22 at Phillip Murray Field near Pittsburgh’s Southside. Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening in the City at 7:00 PM.

The club’s XV’s season will begin in August 2018. Any interested men are strongly encouraged to contact the club at PGHForgeRugby@gmail.com.

Pittsburgh Forge Women Announce Jason Edsall as Head Coach

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Jason Edsall PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS

PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge, the city’s newest and largest rugby club, is pleased to announce that Jason Edall has been hired as the Head Coach for the women’s XV’s program beginning in August 2018.

Jason has nearly 20 years of playing experience at the collegiate and senior club levels. Jason’s playing career began in 1998 while attending Slippery Rock University for his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training. There, Jason predominantly played in the backline. Upon graduation from SRU in 2002, he attended Salisbury University for his Master’s Degree and played in the backline there until 2004. After a short time away from playing, Jason joined the Westmoreland/ Pittsburgh Highlanders in 2008 and played all over the field for the Club for seven years before work took him across the state where he joined the Wilkes Barre Breakers for two years. Finally, upon his return to Pittsburgh in mid – 2017, he once again returned to the Highlanders as a part time player.

In the midst of his playing career, Jason began coaching as an assistant for Salisbury University in August of 2005. While there, he also established and coached the Eastern Shore Sharks Rugby Club, a community based club that offered rugby to boys and girls ages 16 – 18. In 2014, while on staff as a professor at California University of Pennsylvania, he coached the women’s program until his employment moved him to Wilkes Barre, PA. There, he was on the staff for Kings College Men and Women, established collegiate programs at Marywood University and player/coached on his senior club side. In August 2017, upon returning to Pittsburgh, he was hired as the Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Highlander Women and was named the Allegheny Rugby Union’s Men’s Select Side Coach in February 2018. Jason is currently a USA Rugby Level 300 certified coach.

Jason Edsall (center) playing for the Pittsburgh Highlanders in March 2015.

In addition to playing and coaching rugby, Jason also serves the area as a USA Rugby Level 200 certified referee and as the Treasurer of the Allegheny Rugby Union.

Professionally, Jason has worked as both an athletic trainer and professor at a number of different college and universities. In 1998, Jason began working on the medical staff for the Pennsylvania Special Olympics before becoming an Athletic Trainer at Slippery Rock University. In 2002, he worked as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer while attending Salisbury University. That is also where he began his teaching career, instructing a course in Kinesiology as an Adjunct Professor in February 2004. Next, Jason spent three years in Maryland as the Head Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Snow Hill High School before returning to Salisbury University as an Adjunct Professor in 2006.

Next, Jason then spent several years at Seton Hill University as an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach, while also working at SNAP Fitness as the Head Fitness Professional until 2015. In 2012, he began working at California University of Pennsylvania where he instructed courses and served as an Athletic Trainer before moving to Scranton, PA and becoming the Director of Athletic Training Education at Marywood University. He also served as a professor there. In 2016, Jason earned his PhD in Athletic Training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and was able to move back to Pittsburgh in 2017.

Jason Edsall (far right) graduating with his PhD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals.

Jason is currently the Program Director of Athletic Training and Exercise Science at Chatham University where is he also overseeing the development of a varsity men and women’s rugby program to begin in the fall of 2018. Although he has no interest in coaching that program once it’s established, Jason is tasked with finding great coaches to lead that program. This would be the third program that Jason has helped established during his time in rugby.

Jason is extremely excited about joining the Forge coaching staff and assisting the club in the betterment of rugby in the City of Pittsburgh. He looks to cultivate a competitive women’s side that will compete for regional and national championships in the short term. Jason looks to be involved in the Forge’s summer programs and continue to assist the Allegheny Rugby Union’s male select side program.

The Pittsburgh Forge’s Summer 7’s programming begins on Tuesday, May 22 at Phillip Murray Field near Pittsburgh’s Southside. Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening in the City at 7:00 PM.

The club’s XV’s season will begin in August 2018. Any interested women are strongly encouraged to contact the club at PGHForgeRugby@gmail.com.

For more information on Jason, please visit his faculty profile at Chatham University’s website: https://www.chatham.edu/athletic-training/facultydetails.cfm?FacultyID=618

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